Press Releases

The swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed members of the Government took place today in the presence of the President of the Republic, Mr Nikos Christodoulides.

Mr Vasilis Palmas took over as the new Minister of Defence,  Ms Maria Panayiotou as the new Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mr Marios Hartsiotis as the new Minister of Justice and Public Order, and Mr Michael Damianos as the new Minister of Health.

In addition, Mr Nicodemos Damianou took over as the new Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Ms Antonia Theodosiou as the new Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Panayiotis Palates as the new Commissioner for the Citizen, and Mr Charalambos Christofinas as the new Commissioner for the Development of Mountain Communities.

President Christodoulides welcomed the new members of the cabinet and the new Commissioners, emphasising that they were taking over from their predecessors with a mandate to intensify and expedite the implementation of the Government Programme, which has been on track for months. He described the Programme as ambitious and bold, focusing on people and their improved quality of daily life in all sectors.

The President urged the new members of the Government to work tirelessly, stay informed on all matters within their portfolios, rely on experienced and hardworking technocrats, and maintain communication with citizens and all those affected by government policies.

Acknowledging the challenges of their work, President Christodoulides expressed confidence that any resistance to change would not deter them. He also expressed gratitude to the outgoing members of the Government for the significant work accomplished in just ten months, promoting solutions to long-term issues affecting citizens and improving their quality of life, as well as supporting households and businesses.

Quoting, 'Real generosity towards the future lies in giving it all to the present,' the President expressed no doubt that they would embrace this philosophy with a sense of responsibility, duty, and dedication. He also urged for cooperation with organised groups, independent officials, social partners, political forces, and the legislative body.

Mr Christodoulides advised the new members of the Government to ignore criticism, seek constructive criticism, and remain focused on their goals. “For our Government, it is one-way road: work and only work. We are judged by our work and by the people every day”, he stressed, adding that once their policies are implemented and proved beneficial to citizens, that is their only reward.

He acknowledged the challenges of taking over in a difficult year, marking fifty years since the unacceptable Turkish invasion and continued occupation, as well as the approaching historical landmark of 20 years since the Republic of Cyprus joined the European Union.

The President of the Republic reiterated that the solution to the Cyprus problem remains our top priority and an unfulfilled national desire. The President expressed optimism over the appointment of Ms María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar as the personal envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Cyprus and pledged to continue the hard work at all levels. He outlined the goals of the Government for a credible foreign policy, strengthened defence, an active role in the region, and internal policies enhancing the state, the economy, entrepreneurship, and the rule of law.

The Minister of Defence, Mr Vasilis Palmas, speaking on behalf of the new members of the cabinet, expressed gratitude to the President for appointing them and affirmed their commitment to implementing the programme as a social contract with the people. He pledged to exercise their duties with transparency and accountability, gaining the trust of the people and leading the country to progress and prosperity. Despite facing difficult conditions and challenges, the Minister expressed confidence that with commitment, hard work, and persistence, they will prove worthy of civil society. “Today, we take over our duties and at the same time we are called upon to contribute, with our all strength, to the liberation and reunification of our homeland. Being fully aware of the importance of our mission, we pledge to be worthy of your expectations and of the highest honour you bestowed on each one of us with our appointment.”, he concluded.

(EL/MS)